Since I have been having some trouble with my shoulder and my Unbound Energy / TeamVRM.com ride is sitting in the garage because I can't ride I decided to try something different.  I thought since I have still been training pretty hard, I would try a triathlon.  I thought it sounded like fun and would motivate me and give me something to work towards.  Everything was going well in training and I knew I would be able to make the distance.  Then on the Sunday before the event, my shoulder came out, and I found myself in the ER once again.  They put it back in but I knew I would probably not be able to compete in the race.  I was very sore on Monday and Tuesday, but I started to feel better later in the week.  I decided that I would still give it a try.  I knew it would be weak, so I had to swim with one arm.

I really didn't know what to expect on race day so I slapped some Unbound Energy Drink stickers on my bike and helmet and went off to the event.  The race consisted of a .5 mile swim, 19 mile bike, and a 3 mile run.  My plan was to relax and flow in the swim, push hard on the bike, and try to survive the run.

The swim went really well and I was surprised how well my shoulder felt.  I took it easy and lost a little time, but better safe than sorry.  I came out of the water in 11:30.  It took me about 2 minutes to change and I was off on the bike.  I knew this would be only chance to make up lost ground, so I charged hard. I averaged about 23 mph and finished the bike in 52:16.  It only took about a minute to change my shoes and I took off for the run.  I ran the 3 miles in 23:26.  I finished with a total time of 1:30:18.  It was good enough for 22nd out of 264.  I finished 3rd in my age group and made the podium. 

It was a fun experience and I will do some more next summer to stay in shape for racing.  I will have my surgery on September 28 to get this shoulder fixed.  I will be forced to take off the winter, but should be back in the spring.

I still would like to say thanks for my sponsors from 2006:

UNBOUND ENERGY, TeamVRM.com, Pro Circuit, A&P Racing, 180Decals.com, No Fear, Wiseco, Silkolene, Pro Taper, Suspension Plus MX Training, Pro Wheel Racing, Dunlop, Freese, PCS Neck braces, Gaerne, SPY, SIMX, CTI, Sunstar & Regina.

Unbound Energy is a new energy drink released to the public in May 2005.  The product is available in 16oz. cans at BP and am/pm retail stores with more locations and Sugar-Free Unbound coming soon.  To learn more about Unbound Energy log onto www.UnBoundEnergy.com.

TeamVRM.com is a top-level professional rider support program, which was created by riders for riders of all ages and skill.  To learn more about VRM logon to www.VRMweb.com.